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Dustin Johnson is the latest professional golfer to be hurt by his ties to the rival Saudi-backed golf tour. Sponsor RBC said on Tuesday it was “extremely disappointed” to learn that the two-time Major winner was included in the list of participants for the opening of the LIV Golf invitational series in London next week.
The Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), which sponsors the Heritage and the Canadian Openreleased a statement seemingly hinting at the end of its partnership with Johnson after a list of participants that included Johnson was released on Tuesday – despite the PGA Tour saying last month it would not grant a release to Johnson. his members.
Dustin Johnson reacts to a missed putt during the Travelers Championship at TPC River Highlands on June 26, 2021.
(AP Photo/John Minchillo)
“RBC is a proud partner of the PGA Tour. Our partnership is rooted in two world-class golf tournaments: the RBC Heritage and the RBC Canadian Open. The PGA Tour has been clear about its intentions in accordance with its tournament rules if a golfer chooses to play in a tournament outside of the tour, including the LIV Golf Invitational Series,” read the statement, posted on social media.
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“We were recently informed that Dustin Johnson had made the decision to play the LIV Golf Invitational Series opener. DJ has been a valued member of Team RBC since 2018. While we are extremely disappointed with his decision, We wish him good luck.”
The catch is that the PGA Tour’s RBC Canadian Open and LIV Golf’s Invitational Series opener are in conflict with each other.
Dustin Johnson plays his shot during the final round at RBC Heritage on June 21, 2020, in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
(Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Johnson’s agent, David Winkle, said in a statement Tuesday that the decision was based on what “is in his and his family’s best interests.”
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“Dustin has considered the opportunity from time to time over the past two years. Ultimately, he decided it was in his best interest and that of his family to pursue it,” Winkle said, via the golf insider Jason Sobel.
“Dustin has never had a problem with the PGA Tour and is grateful for everything it has given him, but in the end he felt it was too compelling to pass up.”
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The PGA Tour announced last month that it would not be accepting release requests from players to compete in the rival LIV Golf Invitational.
PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan speaks during a press conference ahead of The Players Championship on March 08, 2022 in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.
(Cliff Hawkins/Getty Images)
“We have informed those who have applied that their application has been declined in accordance with PGA Tour tournament regulations. As such, Tour members are not permitted to participate in the Saudi Golf League London event in under our rules,” a memo read.
“As a membership organization, we believe this decision is in the best interest of the PGA Tour and its players.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.